The Finnish Defense Forces have been given approval by the Ministry of Defense to purchase the David Slingshot System as their next long-range air defense system. The system will be provided by Rafael and the purchase value amounts to approximately 316 million euros.
The acquisition of the David’s Sling system will significantly expand the operational range of Finland’s ground-based air defense capability, with a minimum interception altitude requirement of 15,000 meters. Defense Minister Antti Kaikonen said that this new capability would allow the Finnish defense forces to intercept high-altitude targets, while continuing their long-term development of defense capability in a new security environment.
The procurement consists of a main contract worth approximately 213 million euros, with an immediate realization of 103 million euros. The contract also includes additional options worth 216 million euros, with the realization of these options requiring a separate decision.
The procurement contract will also include a separate agreement between the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Defense of Finland to guarantee the security of supply of the system, ensuring the availability of critical system components.
The David Slingshot System, jointly developed by Israel and the United States, will be integrated with the Finnish industry along with Rafael and Raytown. The Finnish industry will participate in the planning and equipping of command and control elements.
The Ministry of Defense has authorized the Finnish Defense Forces to purchase the David Slingshot System as Finland’s next long-range air defense system. Rafael will provide the system. The value of the purchase is about 316 million euros.
The David’s Sling system will expand the operational range of Finland’s ground-based air defense capabilities significantly. The system’s minimum interception altitude requirement was set at 15,000 meters.
This acquisition will create a new capability for the Finnish defense forces to intercept high-altitude targets. At the same time, we continue the ambitious and long-term development of Finland’s defense capability in a new security environment, said Defense Minister Antti Kaikonen.
The procurement consists of a main contract worth approximately 213 million euros and an immediate realization of 103 million euros (a total of 316 in two installments). The contract includes additional options worth 216 million euros. Possible realization of these options requires a separate decision.
The procurement contract will include a separate part between the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Defense of Finland to ensure the security of supply of the system. The arrangement will ensure availability of critical system components.
The David Slingshot System is a long-range air defense system jointly developed by Israel and the United States.
The Finnish industry, together with Rafael and Raytown, will participate in the integration of the system and the planning and equipping of the command and control elements.